Matthew Calderbank

The M58 has been closed in both directions for several hours after two serious crashes involving multiple vehicles.

The M58 has been closed in both directions between junction 3 (Bickerstaffe, Ormskirk, St Helens, Rainford) and junction 4 (Skelmersdale, Pimbo, Upholland) since a critical incident was declared on the westbound carriageway at around 8.45am.

Four people, including two in their mid-teens, have been taken to hospital.

An NWAS spokesman confirmed that three of those taken to hospital are male, two of whom may be children.

Two of the casualties have been taken to Alder Hey Children's Hospital and two others to Aintree Hospital.

One casualty is in his early 60s and has 'major trauma injuries', according to the spokesperson.

A number of vehicles have been involved in the crash on the M58 near Wigan.

Images from the scene showed a lorry carrying scaffolding material and a number of bent and twisted cars.

The lorry transporting the scaffolding belongs to a Preston firm based at Red Scar Industrial Estate in Longridge Road.

A spokesman for Allied Scaffolding said: "We are fully aware of the situation and it is related to our company.

"We are in full co-operation with the police and authorities and will give them our full support.

An air ambulance has attended the scene of the multi-vehicle crash on the M58 this morning. Pic - Ryan Gillett.

"Our main concern at this stage is for those involved in the crash."

Other images showed a white van had left the motorway and crashed into a nearby field.

Helen Green Purnell, 48, a pharmacy assistant from Skelmersdale, saw the aftermath of the crash while out walking dogs.